Congress MP Hibi Eden moves notice to oppose Constitution Amendment Bill in Lok Sabha, warns of threat to federal balance

Congress MP Hibi Eden has formally submitted a notice in the Lok Sabha opposing the introduction of the Constitution (One Hundred and Thirty-first Amendment) Bill, 2026, warning that the proposed legislation could undermine federal balance and fair representation across states.

‎In his notice to the Secretary-General under Rule 72 of the Rules of Procedure, Eden described the Bill as “a clear attack on the Constitution,” arguing that the proposed amendments to Articles 82 and 334A would dismantle the long-standing principle of linking delimitation to the latest census. He cautioned that this shift could allow arbitrary expansion of Lok Sabha seats and redrawing of constituency boundaries.

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‎“The Bill seeks to arbitrarily increase seats in Lok Sabha and redraw boundaries, which is bound to disadvantage southern states such as Kerala and skew the federal balance in favour of the Hindi heartland states,” Eden said, highlighting concerns over regional equity.

‎The Congress leader also questioned the government’s stated intent, alleging that the move is politically driven rather than aimed at empowering women. “This Bill has nothing to do with women’s reservation—this is purely the BJP’s attempt to hurriedly carry out delimitation for their political gains and escape the caste debate completely,” he said.

‎Eden further noted that the legislation does not address the issue of Anglo-Indian representation, which was discontinued after the 104th Constitutional Amendment. “The government has not addressed the issue of reservation for Anglo-Indians,” he added.

‎Urging the withdrawal of the Bill, Eden said it raises “serious concerns regarding federalism, fair representation and the democratic structure of India,” and should not be introduced in its present form.

‎The development comes during a high-stakes special session of Parliament, where the Centre is expected to advance key legislative proposals, including those related to delimitation and women’s reservation, setting the stage for a sharp confrontation between the government and the opposition.